Golf's 'King,' Arnold Palmer, died last September at age 87.
This week marks the first Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill in Orlando, Fla., since 1979 without its namesake legend.
Palmer was a pioneer on the course and in marketing himself. In six decades he won the Masters Tournament at Augusta National four times, the British Open twice and the U.S. Open once to go along with more than 60 PGA Tour titles.
“I’m pleased that I was able to do what I did from a golfing standpoint,” Palmer said in 2008, two years after he played in his last official tournament. “I would like to think that I left them more than just that.”
His branded charm helped pave the way for scores of athletes to reap in millions from endorsements.
Golfers and advertisers are now paying tribute to Palmer.
MasterCard (video above) has launched a campaign, #ArnieWould, targeting his nature.
Golfers, including Morgan Hoffman, are keep inspiration close to them on the course. Hoffman posted pictures of his Palmer-inspired wedges on Instagram:
Palmer stopped playing the Masters in 2004 and hit the opening ceremonial tee shot every year until 2016.
Augusta chairman Billy Payne said after Palmer’s death that the Masters “will do our very best to appropriately pay our respects to Arnold Palmer – a Masters legend.”
The Masters Tournament starts April 6 at Augusta National.
Credit: Curtis Compton
Credit: Curtis Compton
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